Main Entry:

mon·as·tery

Pronunciation:

\ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural mon·as·ter·ies

Etymology:

Middle English monasterie, from Late Latin monasterium, from Late Greek monastērion, from Greek, hermit's cell, from monazein to live alone, from monos single — more at monk

Date:

15th century

: a house for persons under religious vows ; especially : an establishment for monks